Shock teenage abortion figures

Sep 25 2009 by Lisa Boyle

ALMOST 200 girls have had an abortion in Ayrshire.

The tragic figures reveal the true extent of our teenage pregnancy crisis.

Information revealed to the Ayrshire Post shows that 184 girls under the age of 16 have had a termination – that includes 150 under-15s – in just five years.

Although we have one of the worst records in Scotland, health officials insist kids’ sex education is adequate.

In April, holistic health centres were introduced in South Ayrshire schools.

The drop in service means youngsters can get confidential advice, pregnancy tests and condoms at school.

And in the classroom, sexual health is high on the agenda.

Sina Currie, school nurse co-ordinator, told the Post: “There’s a really good sexual health input in Ayrshire and Arran.

“From primary six onwards we look at respect, responsibility and relationships.

“Pupils learn about puberty and growing up before moving on from that to look at conception to birth.

“We look at the whole holistic side as well – feeling well and keeping well, not just physically but emotionally too.

“Then, at age 13 to 14, we move on to talk about contraceptive measures and sexually transmitted infections but that is focused on abstinence, saying no is the best form of contraception.”

But when young women do discover they are pregnant, the school nurse can help them tell their parents.

Sina continued: “It’s our priority to help people tell their parents, sometimes the big fear they have is letting their parents down.

“Most of the time they are happy to tell their parents or carers, they just need a bit of support in doing it.”

Joanne Sharp is the health care manager for children, women and sexual health services.

She says that having an abortion is not easy for anyone.

Joanne said: “Obviously deciding to have a termination is a big decision.

“The process starts through visiting a GP or through visiting a sexual health clinic.

“When a young person recognises that they are pregnant they seek advice about that.

“The young person will be given information to make an informed choice. That may be continuation of the pregnancy or a termination.

“If a woman does decide to have a termination there is counselling all the way along the road. It’s not a case of people coming in for a termination and going straight back out the door.”

Sina is sure that over the next five years, we will see a positive change in the figures.

She concluded: “This is a mammoth task and we all need to work together – parents, young people, health staff and education staff – so that we’re giving young people the right messages and promoting responsibilities and respect.

“I think slowly there is a difference being made.

“But it’s a cultural thing, a lot of parents don’t like talking to their children about sex, so it’s hard work, but I think we are improving services.”